Bleackley bronzed

Times Reporter     

 

Former UFA Bison Conner Bleackley had a golden finish in mind for Team Canada at the World U18 Championships in Finland from April 17-27. After a disappointing overtime loss against the Czech Republic in the semi-finals, Team Canada finished third in the tournament.

“When you play for Team Canada, the goal is always gold. Some Canadians may look at bronze as not quite the accomplishment, but the other teams are real strong, and it’s hard to win gold,” Bleackley said. “The experience for myself was still great.”

The High River product has also played in the Alberta Cup, for Team Alberta, and for Team Canada in the World U17 Hockey Challenge; he had other international experience during the Mac’s Tournament in 2011-2012 with the Bisons.

“We had a real good run in the Mac’s; we just fell short in the final to Russia. It was definitely a stepping stone for me,” he said. “My experience in Strathmore was great. I have nothing but good things to say about the town of Strathmore and what the UFA Bisons did for me.”

Bleackley spent one season with the Bisons, earning 30 points in 26 games. That same season, he had two goals in 16 contests with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL. Following that, Bleackley scored 18 points in 66 games. Continuing to improve this past season, Bleackley was at a point-per-game average with 68 points in 71 games.

“The biggest thing was getting my first year under my belt and learning what the league was about,” Bleackley said. “Really, just learning how to prepare myself how to play that many games.”

The 18-year-old was named captain of the Rebels this season, he believes, because of his ability as a two-way player.

“That comes with being a captain, leading by example on the ice,” he said. “The captain has to play in both ends, if he’s going to hold his teammates accountable to that same level.”

Much of his growth is credited to Red Deer’s head coach and general manager, Brent Sutter.

“Brent’s been through everything as a player, and now as a coach too. I can go to him anytime for advice and ask him questions. It’s great to have a coach who’s been through it all,” Bleackley said. “Coming into this season, Brent gave me a lot of opportunity. I was really confident with the summer of training that I put in – I expected those numbers out of myself. It was a pretty good year for me.”

With the upcoming 2014 NHL Draft in June, Connor could be joining Brent’s brother Darryl, head coach of the LA Kings.

“That’d be a cool destination,” Bleackley laughs. He’s expected to go anywhere in the 20 to 30 range, making him a first round draftee.

“That range that I’m sort of in are teams that are still in the playoffs. Obviously, I want to be drafted into the first round,” he said.

Another destination on Bleackley’s map would be the Colorado Avalanche – his favourite team growing up. Before heading anywhere in the league however, Bleackley wants to work on his skating.

“Improving my first few strides is going to be huge for me to make that next jump to the NHL. It just comes from leg strength and core strength, and that’ll be gained through my training this summer,” he said. “When I’m on my game, I’m always moving my feet. That’s something that’s been preached to me all the way through my minor hockey career and up.”

Bleackley was only one of three 15-year-olds on the Bisons during the 2011-2012 season; this taught him how to treat his fellow Rebel teammates.

“All the other teams (in the AMHL) were a close knit group as far as where they live,” he said. “For the Bisons, there were guys coming from all over south central Alberta, and that’s kind of similar to Red Deer. I try to make the guys feel comfortable and make sure everyone feels welcome.”